Ripper(138)

I went to stand with Marcus, who was gazing at the ocean over the cabin of the water taxi. He looked and felt so peaceful. I let my hands go around his waist. I was getting used to my desire to be physically connected to the vampire. It was an impulse between a Hunter and her trainer. Marcus didn’t mind and it made me feel better, though not as good as his blood had made me feel.

We’d fled in the car Zack had left for us and driven immediately to a hotel in Fort Worth where Marcus convinced me to take his blood. I’d been hesitant when he cut a place in his chest and urged my mouth to it, but once I tasted it, I’d been ravenous. That blood was better than any drug I’d ever encountered. It healed me and made me feel warm and safe. It connected me to Marcus, who in the course of a measly few days had become everything to me. He was my teacher, my protector, my only friend in the world. He was not my lover, but that was my choice for now. I wasn’t sure how long I’d hold out because I slept beside him at night. I started out on the edge of the bed, but before too long I’d rolled and tossed until I curled against him. He would chuckle and put his arms around me, pulling me close. He’d held me that first long night after the arena when I’d finally given in and cried. The experience had been purgative and healing and not possible without him.

The boat slid across the water and Marcus’s dark eyes lit up as Venice rose like a jewel on the ocean. My eyes opened wide to take it all in. I’d never been out of the US before. Hell, besides Arkansas and Louisiana, I’d never been out of Texas before. Venice was a stunning sight, a beautiful, alien world, and Marcus seemed extremely satisfied to be home. He pulled my hand to his lips and kissed it firmly before holding it to his heart. This was our home for now.

I studied the man beside me and wondered what would happen between us. I wanted to open myself to him, but I hesitated and I knew why.

The drugs were out of my system. I was no longer under the influence of any spell.

I still loved Grayson Sloane.

It wasn’t like before. My love for him was a wary thing. If I met Gray at this point, I would push him away. I would never let him in. I would find a way to sabotage any relationship we could have. I had to heal myself before I could consider even talking to Gray. I needed to discover who I could be. I wanted to be the woman Marcus was sure I could become.

“That is it,” Marcus said, a wealth of satisfaction in his voice. He pointed to an elegant townhouse with a pier for his private boat. There was a line of servants waiting to greet us. “Welcome home, cara mia.”

I smiled at him, genuinely happy to be alone with him. I would take this time to explore, to learn, to grow because I needed to become all I could. I had a new mission. I might not be able to be with Gray, but he was my client even though he didn’t know it.

I would save Grayson Sloane if it was the last thing I did.

The boat pulled up to the pier and Marcus hopped out. He placed his hands around my waist and lifted me lightly onto the landing. He leaned over and kissed my forehead affectionately. The sun was going down. I slid my hand into his and walked into the night.



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